Gonsalves promises ‘short’ election campaign

KINGSTOWN (CMC):

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who has promised that general elections will be held later this year, is also indicating that the campaign will be a short one as his Unity Labour Party (ULP) seeks an unprecedented fifth consecutive term in office.

And, as he did in 2015, when the ULP defeated the New Democratic Party (NDP) by an eight-seven margin, Prime Minister Gonsalves has told supporters to prepare for the short campaign, making reference to an agricultural metaphor, saying that it is short rope that cause livestock to accidentally strangle itself.

Gonsalves told the ULP virtual campaign rally that following the release of the campaign song Ring De Bell, party supporters has been clamouring for him to “to declare the election date and to romp home in victory five in a row”.

He said that in response to the call, he has been telling supporters to get “on your marks”.

“I will shortly advise our comrades, our supporters, the labour family, to get set. And when I give that advice, I will request of you to await patiently, soberly, and wisely for the bell-ringing injunction to go to the polls,” Gonsalves said.

“Please do not hurry me yet. I am asking something instead of the Labour family: be fully prepared; be fully prepared. As the son of a farmer, as a man who raised cattle and goat myself, as a man who represents a farming community, it ain’t long rope that does heng cattle. Is short rope. And the short rope would appear not too long from now.”

However, Gonsalves, said that before he gets ready “with the short rope to heng the metaphoric NDP cattle, I am asking the labour family to be fully prepared”.

General election is constitutionally due by March next year, but Gonsalves has said on numerous occasions that the polls will be held this year.